Articles By Lisa Cooseman

About 2 years ago, our families began coming to their appointments with iPads. They either purchased the iPads, or they were loaned from their child’s school. The families were excited at the possibilities, and everything they heard about how great the iPad could be for kids with varying needs. However, they did not know what to do with this new piece of technology. They knew their child enjoyed playing games or watching videos, but there had to be more to it than that. So, they started asking our therapists questions. How do I choose an app? How can I get my child to access the iPad effectively? What apps will motivate my child? What do I do with this iPad?

In response to this growing need, Leaps and Bounds purchased an iPad. Our therapists began to educate themselves and train each other on the information they received. As a result, we began to have greater success with the iPad and were better able to help our parents figure out apps that would benefit their child. Both at therapy and home, our kids were making gains in handwriting, visual attention, communication, and overall engagement.

In September, Leaps and Bounds, Inc. had the pleasure of presenting at the Touch Technology Applications for Children with Special Needs Conference and Expo 2012. This conference brought app developers, professionals, parents and special educators together. We were able to speak with app developers and network with other professionals about applications, products, and trends for the iPad. This conference received recognition on local and national stations for its innovative approach to education on a subject we are all continuing to learn.

The iPad is a tool. It certainly has limitations that we need to be aware of, but the iPad has offered a portable, motivating method to teach, learn, and interact in a way we have not seen before. There are new apps being created constantly, and with those new apps comes more possibilities. It is not just about playing games on the iPad, it is a new tool helping kids to access their world in a new way.

If you would like to learn more about utilizing your iPad with your child, we would like to invite you to attend our FREE Parent Seminar Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Lori Holbrook will be presenting “I Have An iPad, Now What?”

Lisa Cooseman OTR/ L, MS

Leaps and Bounds, Inc. held a group in June that met 2 times/ week utilizing Dr. Kay Toomey’s S.O.S. Approach to Feeding. Our group was called Lunch Munch. The children in this group were 4-5 years of age. They entered the group with a strong aversion to mealtime and were classified by their parents as being “picky eaters.” Their diet consisted mostly of purees including baby food, mashed potatoes and some dry crunchy foods (crackers).

The group was led by a speech language pathologist and an occupational therapist. Another therapist also met with the parents each session to talk to them about the program and how to facilitate the program at home. The parents also watched several sessions via video from another room as a therapist described the process of the group.

The group was such a success! All of the kids met their goal of becoming more comfortable at mealtimes. During table time, they were engaged and positive. Each child was able to interact with the food each time it was presented by touching it, bringing it to their mouth, biting it, and even at times, swallowing the food. The children made progress with each session. Parents reported the following progress at home as well:
• Sitting at mealtime without difficulty
• Gagging decreased when food was presented
• Trying different foods
• Accepting new foods on their plate
• Touching foods that they previously could not tolerate in front of them

This program has been a great tool to use to navigate this difficult area. The process of getting a “picky eater” to eat takes time and patience, but this program has proven to be helpful.